Roland O. Wagar

Roland O. Wagar was born December 2, 1937 in Bellingham and attended school at both Larrabee Elementary and Fairhaven Middle School, before his family moved to Mount Vernon, where he graduated from Mount Vernon High School in the class of 1955.

He enlisted in the US Army and served in Japan from 1959 to 1963.  Roland then enrolled at Skagit Valley College, where he met his future with, Nancy.  They were married in 1965.  He completed his bachelors’ degree in philosophy in 1971.  Roland worked for Safeway stores in Mount Vernon, Bellingham and retired from the Anacortes Safeway in 1999.  He was a kind generous man, who would do anything for those he loves.  Roland loved reading, hiking and being with his family.  He endeared himself to many medical staff, especially the physical therapists who worked with him after his stroke in 2012.

Roland was preceded in death by his father, Hugh R. Wagar and his mother, Grace D. Nelson.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Jen, son-in-law Joe and three grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas and Nina Rose; two sisters, Gayle Tapia of Oceanside, CA and Jackie Hoffman, of Imperial Beach, CA,  and numerous nieces and nephews.

 The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Francis Rehabilitation Center, PeaceHealth South Campus Rehabilitation Center, and the staff at the Whatcom Hospice House who cared for him.  Family suggested donations are to Whatcom Hospice Foundation or a favorite charity.